Top 10 Cities in the United States: Readers' Choice Awards 2013

Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Charleston, South Carolina the number one city in the United States for the third year in a row. Read about all of the best hotels, resorts, airlines, and cruise lines in the world in our Readers' Choice Awards 2013.

9.
Savannah

Culture: 84.2

Friendliness: 82.8

Atmosphere: 83.6

Restaurants: 81.2

Lodging: 75.0

Shopping: 62.2

Even though it dropped from last year's spot at number 7, Savannah has "got it all," said one reader. Thanks to its mix of history, art, shopping, nightlife, and "delicious food," "you can't have a bad time."

8.
New York City

Culture: 86.9

Friendliness: 56.7

Atmosphere: 79.6

Restaurants: 87.3

Lodging: 78.1

Shopping: 83.8

It's no surprise that New York made our list of Top 10 Cities in the United States, though it is a bit of a surprise that it dropped from the fifth to eighth slot. Still, our readers say the city is "electric," with something to do around every corner. Aside from Broadway shows, Central Park, Times Square, shopping, and dining, "no city gets you more in the holiday spirit than New York."

6.
Carmel

Culture: 74.4

Friendliness: 73.0

Atmosphere: 89.1

Restaurants: 85

Lodging: 81.0

Shopping: 70.8

By far the smallest city on our list, Carmel, Calif. has a big personality with "endless charm and beauty." The city is known for its "quaint cottages and shops," and the restaurants and "artsy boutiques" make for a great weekend getaway. What may garner Carmel the most attention however, are the "picturesque" and "romantic" ocean views.

5.
Chicago

Culture: 82.3

Friendliness: 68.0

Atmosphere: 78.8

Restaurants: 85.0

Lodging: 80.9

Shopping: 80.4

The "terrific architecture" and "great ethnic food" help make Chicago a must-visit city (even though it dropped a couple spots from last year's list, where it owned the No. 3 slot). The restaurants, skyscrapers, museums, and waterfront all add up to a "perfect city for solo, friend, family, or romantic getaways."

4.
Honolulu

Culture: 81.9

Friendliness: 79.0

Atmosphere: 83.0

Restaurants: 78.5

Lodging: 79.8

Shopping: 74.4

The endless beaches and constant sunshine helped Honolulu place high on our readers' list. The "genuine friendliness and hospitality" of the people make Honolulu a major draw, and the ocean views and fresh seafood "can't be beat."

3.
San Francisco

Culture: 84.8

Friendliness: 68.6

Atmosphere: 82.4

Restaurants: 86.5

Lodging: 79.2

Shopping: 78.0

San Francisco nabbed third place (down from last year's No. 2 spot) with its "world of culture" and "class." "I left my heart…" said one reader, which may have something to do with the "great art museums, opera, food, symphony, and beautiful neighborhoods."

Our readers found Santa Fe to be "pure magic;" a "heaven where souls vacation." "Go for the atmosphere, architecture, food, and open spaces," said one reader, or "take a whole day to explore the galleries."